What does ASE certified mechanic mean?

By Brian Klaubert

How can you judge whether the automotive technician working on your car is qualified? There is an independent, non-profit, organization that tests and certifies automotive technicians. It is called the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. You have probably seen its symbol, a blue gear with the letters ASE inside the gear.

ASE certifies individual auto techs, not the repair facility they work at. The tests are administered only twice per year, by ACT – the same organization that administers college placement tests.

There are eight tests for auto technicians: Engine Repair, Engine Performance, Electrical/Electronic Systems, Brakes, Heating and Air Conditioning, Suspension and Steering, Manual Drive Train and Axles, and Automatic Transmissions. A technician who has certified in all eight areas is officially certified as a Master Technician.

The exam questions are not easy. They are written in a manner representative of diagnosing an unknown problem. Memorizing canned answers would be generally ineffective without the experience of actually having worked on and seen numerous examples. Certification requires an 80% grade, and many technicians must retake the exams. Certification is only valid for 5 years, and must be retested to ensure the technician has kept up with advances in technology.

Many shops display the ASE symbol. As long as one technician at the facility has at least one certification, a shop may use the symbol. Many of these facilities say they “support” ASE certification. This does not mean they require it.

The better shops will have only ASE certified technicians. The best shops will have only ASE Master certified technicians. Before having your car serviced, ask if the technician who will be working on your car is certified in the areas of repair you expect need attention. A Master certified technician is certified in all areas.

When looking for a repair facility, look at the cleanliness and orderliness of both the office/customer area and the work bays. If they take care to keep these areas clean and orderly, they are more likely to do the same with your car.

All of us at Christian Brothers Automotive wish each of you a blessed Christmas season. It is our prayer that you find peace and joy in what has become a hectic season. Try to share the spirit of Christmas in your driving as well. Let someone out onto a busy road, don’t accelerate to get past the person trying to back out of a parking slot at the mall.

Brian Klaubert owns Christian Brothers Automotive - Hamilton Mill, on Braselton Hwy in Dacula.